Poetry Bash by Those with Trouble Speaking
By: Robert Diamond Mar. 14, 2018
It's been said that people with aphasia "speak in poetry", because each hard-earned word carries a world of meaning. A local nonprofit is celebrating poetry that is created, performed, and inspired by people with aphasia.
"Aphasia's Got Talent!"
Aphasia is a communication disability that is considered one of the most isolating and debilitating consequences of stroke or brain injury. Voices of Hope for Aphasia is turning the tables on this disability by celebrating all of the things that people with aphasia can do. This year's event, "Aphasia's Got Talent", focuses on the unbelievably powerful poetic expressions about the experience of aphasia..
Poems come from across the U.S, including California, Arizona, New York, Maryland, and Florida. One author with aphasia submitted his work from Japan. During the event, these poems will be read and shared.
Florida's Poet Laureate, Peter Meinke, will be a guest of honor. Meinke was previously the Poet Laureate of St. Petersburg and has won numerous awards for his poetry. He is also professor emeritus of Eckerd College.
During the event, local community leaders from Sarasota will be honored with the organization's Founders Award for their leadership in providing community-based services for adults with aphasia.
Voices of Hope for Aphasia invites the community to join in on the inspiring event on March 24, 2018, 5 pm - 7 pm, at USFSP Harbor Hall (1000 3rd St S, St Petersburg, FL, 33701). Tickets are on sale on the website at: http://www.vohaphasia.org. The evening includes great food, cash bar, and a silent auction.
Voices of Hope for Aphasia is a registered 501(C)(3) nonprofit and the only community-based aphasia organization in West Florida for people living with aphasia and their families.
Additional Resources:
Famous poet Charles Baudelaire (1821 - 1867) had aphasia: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17495509
Samuel Beckett's poem, "What is the word", written about aphasia: http://www.extrageographic.org/samuel-becketts-last-poem
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